Variegated Baby Sunrose (Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata')

Description

Variegated Baby Sunrose is a trailing ground cover with many branching stems and heart shaped leaves that are outlined in white and it is a plant that will spill and fall from containers. Commonly called the Variegated Heartleaf Ice Plant, the Aptenia cordifolia 'Variegata' has masses of small fleshy hearts lying flat along the ground, dividing and rambling out in all directions with small, soft pink-magenta, daisy-shaped flowers appearing in masses in warmer temperatures.

Variegated Baby Sunrose is most attractive trailing over the sides of a hanging basket where stems can hang in wispy tendrils, or planted carpeting out a rockery or around a border or into an open border. It will be quite handsome in a shallow bowl, too, and also good in a mixed succulent bowl for some contrast with plainer greens. Since it spreads extremely rapidly once it starts growing, Variegated Baby Sunrose is also useful for quickly covering any bare patches of a border.

Baby sun rose ‘Variegata’ likes lots of sun for its best and brightest white varigation, and the more sun it gets the more it flowers. It grows easily in Indian summers, once the plant is established, and tolerates some neglect when it comes to watering – though it will not tolerate staying very dry as some succulents do. It is a care-free plant once it has sun and drainage.

Key Features

• Small heart-shaped leaves with striking creamy-white variegation around the edges.
• He has cheerful pink to magenta daisy-like flowers produced all over the summer
• Low-growing, trailing habit ideal for hanging baskets and groundcover
• Fast-spreading once established, useful for filling bare garden patches
• Hardy plant that is tolerant to heat, does not require watering so often
• Compact and easy to maintain, suited to beginners
• Works well in rockeries, borders, and mixed succulent containers
• A colourful, low-maintenance option for gifting or garden accents

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Variegated Baby Sunrose plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Natural variation in leaf variegation and flower colour intensity is normal from plant to plant
• There may be some leaf and/or stem loss during shipping, and typically the plant should recover within 1-2 weeks
• Do not expose your plant to harsh, late afternoon sun directly out of the box. Let it adapt gradually
• Keep soil from staying waterlogged for long periods, especially during the monsoon season
• You might see reduced variegation in lower light and as the plant adapts it gets brighter with time.
• Sometimes cut back lanky, overgrown stems from the main plant, and you should see it grow fuller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the variegation of my variegated baby sun rose going away?

A: Variegation is often down to the amount of light it gets, and a lack of it means that it will start producing more standard green leaves as it’s focused on more photosynthesis. Try placing in brighter, sunnier place and the new leaves will develop stronger variegation

Q: How much water does this plant require? 

A: When the soil is dry to the touch in the top 1-2 inches, water this succulent in this family for 7-10 days, but be advised that the plant prefers drier soil in colder climates and doesn’t appreciate wet feet.

Q: Can a variegated baby Sunrose grow indoors?

A: Variegated Baby Sunrose can be grown indoors in an extremely sunny location. But, because it enjoys the sun more than any other thing for vigorous growth and an abundant flowering, outdoor growing is ideal. 

Q: How quickly does this grow?

A: Variegated Baby Bunrose grows quickly and begins to spread once it establishes a place and so after some months it covers its pot.

Q: What about fertilizer for this plant? 

A: Applying a balanced liquid feed on 4 to 6 week intervals through spring, summer and autumn may help keep it healthy and even lead to more blooms, no need to feed through the dormant cool season though.

Q: Is Variegated Baby Sunrose toxic to animals?

A: This plant is relatively non-toxic, however as a good general rule, keep pets from eating too much of this plant to prevent any upsetting of their stomach.